Chapter One: Ye Bilge Rats
As the crisp morning sea breeze swept through the docks, the busy bustle of the town wasted no time in beginning the day. Stalls lining every cobbled street, tavern doors swung wide as to welcome all in, and everyone in between. Everyone to his own, going about their own business.
A withered old man snaked through the crowds and chaos, making his way down to the docks. After briefly scanning the docks, the old man laid eyes on the ship he required and made his way onboard without trouble. The ship seemed to be abandoned, well-kept but clear of crew. The only visible life onboard being the gentle flicker from the small windows peering into the captain’s quarters.
Knock, Knock, Knock.
The old man tapped on the door with his upturned knuckles.
“Come in.” A voice called moments later.
He did as instructed, taking the chilled metal handle and pushing the door open to enter the cabin.
“What brings you now?” The voiced called out again.
“I have you’re next job.” He replied, settling down the opposing chair from the empty captain’s chair.
The steady clop of heeled boots emerged from behind him, “That’s all well and good but I haven’t a crew.”
“Also taken care for.”
“Is it now?” A tone of amusement rang through her voice. “And who would be mad enough to sign up for another of your ghost hunts after what’s happened to all the others, aye Dumbledore?”
“They’re a special bunch.”
“Mentally deficient kind ‘o special?” She chuckled as she swung down into the opposing seat. “Just because they’re bodies are still breathing doesn’t mean they’re fit to man a ship.”
“Have faith, Minerva.” Albus said as he slid a scroll across the desk.
Minerva gave it a disappointed downwards glance before lowering her small spectacles and examining the content. Tracking her decorated fingers gently over the fragile paper.
“Is this all?” She asked, eyes still drawn to the scroll.
Dumbledore ruffled inside his concealed satchel to produce yet another scroll, they were almost identical but the second was slightly darker in colour. He again, placed it down on the desk.
With a soft sign, she examined the second scroll in silence.
As she came to the end, Dumbledore asked, “Can you get it done?”
“Of course, I can.” She slumped back into her large leather chair, “But your crew on the other hand...can they?”
“See for yourself, they should be here soon enough.”
Minerva shook her head as she scrapped up the scrolls and slipped them into one of the drawers of her desk. “If they’re anything like the diadem crew, I’m throwing them all overboard.”
The old man let out a laugh, “I don’t doubt it.”
Just as Minerva was about to express her annoyance at the fact that Albus had invited any Tom, Dick, or Harry aboard her ship, again, without consulting her, the sound of giddy tomfoolery filled the decks.
The old man’s thin lips curled into a smile as he stood up to leave.
“You’re going to be the death of me one day, Dumbledore.”
He turned back to face her, “I’d be surprised if anyone could do away with you, Captain.”
And with those final words, Dumbledore left to venture out back onto the decks where the new crew awaited instruction.
They were a younger bunch than he would usually hire but he was knee-deep in bodies and there was still much work to be done. So, options were limited.
The group hadn’t seemed to take note of his arrival in their busy bustle of conversation, but he did catch eyes with one. A young girl. Thick red locks fell down her shoulders in various braids and ties, all pulled back with a makeshift bandana of leather and cloth scraps, making it clear to see the sanguine smirk painted across her face
Her eyes followed Dumbledore as he made his way down the steep uncarpeted stairs, nudging those who were more oblivious around her.
“Welcome aboard, my friends.” He spoke out to the group and heads turned. “I trust you all found your way here today with ease?”
He was met with a chorus of halfhearted grunts and murmurs before the crowd turned back to their conversation. Dumbledore frowned; he had even lost the attention of the young redhead.
“Well, be-” He was cut off by a thud as a blade struck the main mast, wobbling from the force.
A piercing silence broke upon the deck as all eyes searched for an explanation.
“Flay yer shriveled tongues, ye bilge rats.” The captain snarled, leaning against the rail of the aftercastle deck.
The group seemed to respond much better to this more aggressive style of leadership, all turning away from their conversations and directing their attention to her.
Minerva looked down, scanning the swarm of grimy faces gazing back up at her, before turning her attention to Dumbledore.
“So, this is yer special bunch aye? Looks especially thick to me.” She sneered as she began to make her way down the stairs, gliding hauntingly with every step. There was a softness to her strength. Which only made it more intimidating. Grace in violence, like the fell swoop of a blade.
Pausing briefly upon the last step, Minerva indulged the gazing eyes. “What you all gawkin’ o’er? Haul yer duffle below deck and make yourself useful!” She commanded.
Every soul burst into action, scuttling below deck with various motives. A small group of boys seemed to have their hearts set on snagging the best sleeping space, pushing past with childish commentary.
“Move more speed, catch the wind, lads!”
“No shoving on my ship!” She added.
The group reined back their pursue, but only momentarily before bursting back into a hectic action.
Minerva let out a deep sigh. “Those are nothing but children, Albus.”
“They’ll make it.” He reassumed her.
“Well, if you say so.” She said as she retrieved her blade from the mast. “But if you’re wrong and they end up dancing with Jack Ketch, at least I'll know I wasn’t the one who polished their shoes and sent ‘em twirling.”
Minerva walked back across the deck, meeting Albus at the stairs.
“That one’s on you.” She stared down her thin nose at him. “But what’re a few more bodies to a man with a plan Ey?”
Dumbledore met her gaze. “Safe travels Captain.”
She could see it in his eyes, he didn’t see people anymore.
Once upon a time Albus saw something to value in everyone, every life, every story. He’d seen something in her once too but look where that got her; riding out on the high seas with a crew and returning alone with another trinket or other to add to his collection. Minerva had known Albus since she was about the age of her latest crew members, he seemed to like to reap them young, while their minds were still malleable but he was getting desperate. Sending such young souls out to sea on such an important mission was a bold move, even for him.
But at the end of the day, it didn’t matter what she did or didn’t think was going on inside this tired old mind. She had a job to finish, unfinished business. Until payday, the seas would be her home and Dumbledore her esteemed employer...and friend.